Last weekend I attended a special screening of the 2018 Oscar-nominated short films. The event was presented by the Charlotte Film Society and held at Charlotte Theater on Queens Road.

This two-day event featured some riveting films that nearly left me gasping for breath. Like many in the city, I have fond memories of the Park Road Theater, and I was extremely disappointed when it closed. However, in the last few weeks, Charlotte has taken a huge step toward filling that void.

Wednesday evening I attended the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at the Belk Theater. The opening act left me with a feeling of great enthusiasm, which continued throughout the sold-out performance.

I was wonder struck as I took in the breathtaking beauty of dance and music. The dance company featured many new pieces and performed Ailey’s precious “Revelations.” It was a magical evening of pure nostalgia as we closed out our annual month of Black History.

I hope you enjoy my weekend picks.

FRIDAY

Groove Masters Band ~ Enjoy a very special concert performed by the Groove Masters Band as they celebrate 11 years together. Groove Masters started in 2007 with six veteran musicians. Now they’re celebrating 11 years together. The band has two CDs currently out, and they are on jazz stations across the nation. Cost: $15. Location: The Third Place (1609 E. 5th St.). Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. More info.

SATURDAY

‘A House Full of Secrets’ ~ (stage play) Dewayne is keeping a secret that is deadly to those around him, but he is not the only one. Find out how a house divides when lies, betrayal and secrets fill each room. Cost: $20. Location: Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square (311 345 N. College St.). Time: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. More info.

SUNDAY

Comedian AJ Johnson – Born in Compton, California, Johnson began acting in his early 20s. In 1990 he landed a starring role as E.Z.E. in “House Party,” after which he started doing stand-up in bars in Los Angeles. He later appeared in “Lethal Weapon 3” and “Menace II Society.” His biggest role was in the 1995 comedy “Friday.” Location: The Comedy Zone (1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.). Time: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 general admission/ $25 Gold Circle. More info.

Toni’s entertainment picks are published each Thursday. Email toni@qcitymetro.com, or join her Chocolate Social Network, a group for the mature (40-plus) but young at heart.

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Qcitymetro is an independent online news source based in Charlotte, N.C. Our mission is to be the leading source of news, opinion and other information relevant to the region’s thriving African American community.